The Influence of Competency Programs on Employability Mediated by Self Efficacy

Abstract

The increasingly competitive labor market requires university graduates to possess competencies that meet industry demands. However, the effectiveness of competency programs in improving employability through self-efficacy has not been sufficiently verified. This study aims to examine the effect of Competency Programs on Employability, with Self-Efficacy as a mediating variable, among alumni of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Widya Gama University Malang. A quantitative approach with an explanatory research design was employed. The sample consisted of alumni selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a five-point Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS 4.0. The results indicate that Competency Programs have a positive and significant effect on Employability and Self-Efficacy. Self-Efficacy also has a positive and significant effect on Employability and partially mediates the relationship between Competency Programs and Employability. In conclusion, Competency Programs supported by the enhancement of Self-Efficacy effectively improve alumni employability. Therefore, higher education institutions should integrate competency development with strategies that strengthen students' self-efficacy to better prepare graduates for the demands and dynamics of the labor market.